Cruciferous is a term that’s being thrown around a lot these days when talking about vegetables that are really, really good for you. These veggies are credited with everything from potential cancer-fighting properties to detoxifying benefits and more.
The best-known members of the cruciferous family of vegetables are bok choy, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, radishes, turnips, and watercress.
You should add cruciferous to your diet, not only they are delicious that is also packed with health benefits:
Anti-Cancer
Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates and in a different area of the cell, an enzyme called myrosinase. When we blend, chop or chew these vegetables, we break up the plant cells, allowing myrosinase to come into contact with glucosinolates, initiating a chemical reaction that produces isothiocyanates (ITCs), powerful anti-cancer compounds. ITCs have been shown to detoxify and remove carcinogens, kill cancer cells, and prevent tumors from growing.
Pain Relief
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane, cruciferous vegetables health benefits include pain relief. Many patients reported reduced pain sensitivity after taking a combination of ascorbigen and broccoli powder. Researchers found that broccoli sprout extract has the ability to block and relieve pain.
Promote Cardiovascular Health
Cruciferous vegetable health benefits include improved cardiovascular health. Sulforaphane works to reduce inflammation in the arterial walls, which helps to prevent obesity and relieve hypertension. Sulforaphane may also be able to boost natural defense mechanisms in the body to protect the arteries from disease.
Protect From Diabetes
Cruciferous vegetables health benefits include the ability to prevent and treat diabetes. Sulforaphane is able to lower insulin resistance and decrease oxidative stress to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Reduce Inflammation
Cruciferous vegetables health benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation. Sulforaphane has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of turmeric or curcumin. Consuming cruciferous vegetables on a regular basis can help reduce inflammation in the body to help prevent illness and disease.
Try one of these delicious Mediterranean cauliflower recipes from the Mediterranean recipe guide of meditlife